Lee Bowman's reputation as a suave and polished leading man was solidified in the 1940s, starring alongside glamorous actresses such as Rita Hayworth and Jean Arthur. Noted columnist Jack Sher referred to him in 1944 as "a very hot commodity" in Hollywood.
A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Bowman studied acting at the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts, and in 1934, he made the determination to succeed as a screen actor, heading to Los Angeles. After several minor roles, he landed his first credited screen role in the screwball comedy I Met Him in Paris (1937).
Bowman's early film career was marked by his signature image as a smooth, wise-cracking bon vivant, often appearing in films for MGM or Columbia. He rarely received top billing, with a notable exception being his co-starring role opposite Jean Arthur in the charming comedy The Impatient Years (1944).
Bowman's most memorable performances include his roles in the gangster drama Kid Glove Killer (1942),the Rita Hayworth musicals Cover Girl (1944) and Tonight and Every Night (1945),and the drama Smash-Up: The Story of a Woman (1947),where he played the husband of an alcoholic Susan Hayward.
In his later years, Bowman transitioned to television, starring in the ABC series The Adventures of Ellery Queen (1950) and guest-starring in various shows. He also worked in radio, appearing in episodes of "Inner Sanctum" (1945) and "Cavalcade of America" (1946-53).
Bowman's final notable role was in the Republic melodrama House by the River (1950),directed by Fritz Lang. He continued to work in radio, television, and stage productions, eventually retiring from the screen in 1968.
After his retirement, Bowman utilized his acting skills as a corporate communications consultant, media-training businessmen and politicians, and as a master of ceremonies for Republican Party conventions. He died on Christmas Day in 1979 at the age of 64.
